Is climate change real? Is the greenhouse effect based on fundamental science? To what extent are “debates” on TV news outlets using split screen technology peer review or rhetoric? Do large companies abuse the concept of peer review by using rhetoric to cast doubt on scientific findings?

These are questions that should underscore student’s pursuit of an understanding of climate change, and the skepticism that has inverted the public’s view of global warming, the greenhouse effect, and the burning of carbon. For many years, large corporations, starting with the tobacco industry, have led the public and politicians down a path that leads to denial (of the science) that has been established by scientists through the publication and peer review process. Casting “doubt” on the “science,” has been a tactic used to put a wedge between actual scientific information and the rhetoric of the deniers.

There is virtually no accountability for the “skeptics.” They don’t publish in peer reviewed journals, and they spend most of their time on media outlets giving their point of view, but with virtually little data that is based on scientific evidence.

On June 13, a group of Australian scientists jointly authored an article entitled “Climate change is real:an open letter from the scientific community.”  The letter was published in The Conversation, an independent source of information, analysis and commentary from the university and research sector.  Partners include all of the major universities in Australia, and the Australian Science Media Center.

The letter was the first of two-weeks of analysis by the Conversation in a series of daily reports will show how the skeptics are able to brush aside scientific literature, and actually subvert the peer review process.

Here are links to the articles that you can read in full at The Conversation. I think you will find these papers valuable sources of information for your own knowledge of climate change, as well sources of information for their projects and activities.

• Part One: Climate change is real: an open letter from the scientific community.
• Part Two: The greenhouse effect is real: here’s why.
• Part Three: Speaking science to climate policy.
• Part Four: Our effect on the earth is real: how we’re geo-engineering the planet
• Part Five: Who’s your expert? The difference between peer review and rhetoric
• Part Six: Climate change denial and the abuse of peer review
• Part Seven: When scientists take to the streets it’s time to listen up on climate change
• Part Eight: Australia’s contribution matters: why we can’t ignore our climate responsibilities
• Part Nine: A journey into the weird and wacky world of climate change denial
• Part Ten: The chief troupier: the follies of Mr Monckton
• Part Eleven: Rogues or respectable? How climate change sceptics spread doubt and denial
• Part Twelve: Bob Carter’s climate counter-consensus is an alternate reality
• Part Thirteen: The false, the confused and the mendacious: how the media gets it wrong on climate change

Finally, I recommend that you take a look at The Conversation.